Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has delivered a deeply personal tribute to the late Ministers for Defence and Environment, following their tragic deaths in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.
In an official statement released on behalf of the Minority in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin described the loss of Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed as one that “touches the very soul of our nation,” adding that beyond their official titles, they were “fathers, husbands, sons, and devoted patriots.”
Reflecting on his personal relationship with the two men, the Minority Leader said his connection with Murtala Mohammed transcended political rivalry.
“Hon Dr Alhaji Murtala Mohammed and I may have sat across the parliamentary aisle, but we shared countless moments of genuine discourse about Ghana’s future. His passion for environmental protection transcended party politics, and he possessed that rare quality of listening with intent to understand.”
Afenyo-Markin also praised Dr Omane Boamah for combining intellectual prowess with patriotism in his role as Defence Minister.
“In our private conversations, I witnessed a man deeply committed to modernising our armed forces whilst preserving the values that make Ghana’s military a source of national pride.”
READ: Minority mourns helicopter crash victims, calls for national unity in grief
The Minority Leader’s tribute comes after the Government confirmed the deaths of eight individuals in the crash, including the two ministers, a deputy national security coordinator, senior military officers, and party functionaries.
Afenyo-Markin extended condolences to President John Mahama, the bereaved families, and the entire nation, calling for collective mourning and renewed dedication to public service.
“These personal losses remind us that behind every political position lies a human being — someone’s beloved family member, someone’s trusted friend.”
READ: Gov’t confirms Omane Boamah, Ibrahim Murtala among 8 dead in helicopter crash
The statement concluded with a call to honour the legacies of the deceased by continuing the work they were committed to: protecting the environment, strengthening national security, and serving Ghana with dignity.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh

